Excitement continues to build rapidly over the swift progress of new Chelsea signing Estevao Willian, who has hit new heights once again in Brazil.
The 17-year-old winger made headlines with another superb goal for Palmeiras in Sunday night’s 2-0 win over Bahia in the Brazilian Serie A, sprinting from inside his own half and then cutting inside past a helpless defender and curling an unstoppable effort into the top corner to finish off a ruthless counter-attack and give Abel Ferreira’s side the lead on the stroke of half-time.
It was yet another brilliant goal from Willian, known by some in Brazil as ‘Little Messi’, who has now scored 11 this season in 32 total appearances across all competitions to go along with six assists.
He has three in just his last five games, increasing the sense of anticipation among Chelsea fans after the Blues completed an initial £29million move for his services last month that could eventually be worth as much as £51m.
Willian - backed as a future “genius” and the next big thing in Brazilian football by legendary compatriot Neymar - penned a long-term contract at Stamford Bridge after passing a medical and will officially join the club after he turns 18 next summer.
His latest exploits drew an exasperated response from current Bahia head coach and Sao Paulo icon Rogerio Ceni, who was seen turning away in frustration after the goal and exclaiming, according to translations on social media: “You can’t f*****g mark this guy.”
Willian is one of several exciting young South American talents signed by Chelsea over recent years, joining the likes of Angelo Gabriel, Andrey Santos and Deivid Washington.
Kendry Paez also continues to shine with both Independiente Del Valle and Ecuador ahead of his own £17m move to west London next summer.
Chelsea are also moving for Boca Juniors’ teenage defender Aaron Anselmino and Basel midfielder Renato Veiga to continue their youth drive, following already completed summer deals for Omari Kellyman and Marc Guiu.
The Blues have also added former Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo to their first-team squad following the appointment of new boss Enzo Maresca, who has also secured a quick reunion with Leicester midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
